Gem Sockets

Gem Sockets

There are certain item slots that can have what is called a Gem Socket. A gem socket allows the player to insert a gem of their choosing that will provide significant bonuses to the player's character.

What Gems Should I Use?

Ultimately, it is up to you, the player, to decide which gems you want to use in which sockets. Due to this, there is no definitive "must use" gem. Instead, you must outweigh the advantages and disadvantages of each one for your build/class.

Below are several tips that you can follow that may help guide you in putting in gems that best suit your need.

Weapons

At Level 70, most players will use an Emerald in their weapons. This is due to the large increase in Critical Hit Damage, which is very difficult to get due to the limited number of slots that can have this stat.

Helm

If you are grinding experience through leveling from 1-70 or wish to speed up the paragon leveling process slightly, a Ruby works great.

For players wishing to optimize their Offense Stat and have high value for the Reduced Cooldown stat, a Diamond will work nicely here.

Players that wish to have more survival on their character, especially for Hardcore Mode characters, a Amethyst can benefit you greatly.

Ring/Amulet

In Patch 2.1 Diablo III will be adding Legendary Gems to the game with special effects. If you have sockets in your Ring/Amulet, it is recommended to save these for use with the new Legendary Gems.

Other Slots

Your Chest can have a maximum of 3 sockets and your legs can have a maximum of 2 sockets. If you do not have the Defense Stat Resistance to All Elements or additional Core Stat Vitality, you should place a gem in these sockets corresponding to your character's Core Stat (Intelligence/Strength/Dexterity)

The "All Resistance Argument" - Many players will tell other players "Always gem Diamonds on Chest and Legs due to the all resist." The theory on this is to gain enough All Resistance on those sockets, and use your Mystic to enchant Resist All stats on gear to Damage Stats. While this is a viable gearing strategy, at the end of the day it is completely your decision. Some players like have a large amount of All Resist, and others only need few. Play around with your gem sockets and build, and if you do not need additional survival on your other pieces of gear, feel free to enchant those stats to damage stats while using Gem Sockets for your Resistance to All Elements stat.